Parasites Worms

Blastocystis hominis is a common protozoan intestinal parasite, often identified in people with gastrointestinal complaints. While its pathogenic role is debated, it's associated with a range of digestive symptoms and is a frequent finding in stool tests worldwide....

Cryptosporidium spp. are a group of protozoan parasites that cause cryptosporidiosis, a gastrointestinal illness. Notable for their resilience in various environments, especially water, these parasites can cause outbreaks of diarrheal disease in both humans and animals....

Cyclospora cayetanensis is a microscopic protozoan parasite that causes cyclosporiasis, a gastrointestinal illness characterized by prolonged and relapsing diarrhea. Primarily found in tropical and subtropical regions, it has been responsible for various foodborne outbreaks globally....

Dientamoeba fragilis is a single-celled parasite that inhabits the human gastrointestinal tract. It's associated with dientamoebiasis, a condition that can cause a range of digestive symptoms. The parasite's mode of transmission and pathogenic potential are subjects of ongoing research....

Dwarf tapeworms, or Hymenolepis nana, are the most common tapeworms infecting humans, especially children. These parasites can complete their lifecycle within a single host, leading to direct transmission without the need for an intermediate host. Infections might be asymptomatic but can cause abdominal discomfort, diarrhea, and in severe cases, weight loss and malnutrition....

Entamoeba histolytica is a protozoan parasite that causes amoebiasis, a disease that can range from asymptomatic to severe dysentery and liver abscesses. It is a significant cause of morbidity and mortality in tropical countries with inadequate sanitation facilities...

Enterocytozoon and Encephalitozoon species are microsporidia, a group of spore-forming unicellular parasites. They can cause various infections in humans, ranging from gastrointestinal to systemic diseases, particularly in immunocompromised individuals. Symptoms depend on the infected site but often include diarrhea, weight loss, and general malaise....

Giardia lamblia is a protozoan parasite that causes giardiasis, a common intestinal infection. Notoriously resilient, it can survive in various environments, particularly in water, leading to outbreaks in communities with contaminated water sources....

Hookworms are parasitic worms that infect the small intestine, primarily in areas with poor sanitation. They attach to the intestinal wall, feeding on the host's blood, which can lead to anemia and protein deficiency. Symptoms include abdominal pain, diarrhea, and fatigue. Hookworms are transmitted through skin contact with contaminated soil....

New World hookworms, also known as Necator americanus, are a type of hookworm prevalent in the Americas. These parasites latch onto the intestinal walls of their hosts, leading to chronic blood loss, anemia, and protein deficiency. The larvae penetrate the skin from contaminated soil, making those in contact with such environments vulnerable to infection....

Pinworms, also known as threadworms or Oxyuris, are common intestinal parasites, particularly among children. These tiny, white worms cause an itchy anus, disturbed sleep, and irritability due to their nocturnal egg-laying habits. Transmission occurs via the fecal-oral route, often through ingesting microscopic eggs on contaminated surfaces, hands, or food....

Roundworms are a type of nematode that can cause infections in the human digestive tract. Typical symptoms include abdominal pain, diarrhea, and sometimes more serious conditions if left untreated. They are often transmitted through soil contaminated with human feces or improperly cooked food....

Tapeworms are intestinal parasites that can affect humans and animals. These worms are flat, segmented, and can become quite long. They usually enter the body through the consumption of contaminated food or water. Tapeworm infections might not always cause symptoms, but when they do, they can include abdominal discomfort, diarrhea, and weight loss....

Threadworms, or Strongyloides stercoralis, are tiny intestinal worms causing strongyloidiasis. This condition can be asymptomatic or cause a range of symptoms from abdominal pain and diarrhea to severe complications like malabsorption. Transmission occurs when skin contacts contaminated soil. Threadworms are unique for their ability to reproduce inside the host, potentially causing long-lasting infections....

Whipworms, caused by Trichuris trichiura, are intestinal parasites named for their whip-like shape. Infections often result from ingesting eggs found in soil contaminated with human feces. While many infections are asymptomatic, heavy infestations can lead to diarrhea, abdominal pain, and, in severe cases, rectal prolapse. Children are particularly susceptible to growth and cognitive development issues due to chronic infections....